Booklover Bites – Movie Versions of Books

I have always been hesitant to watch the movie versions of books I have read and loved because:

– I am worried the movie will not live up to my expectations.

– That the casting will not align with the characters as seen in my mind while reading.

– That they will change the focus of the story to enhance visuals or cut out some of my favourite content entirely.

A novel’s interpretation can be such a personal thing!

I adored the novel One Day by David Nicholls but I still have not watched the movie starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. Now a copy has found its way into my home – should I watch it?

I really like Anne Hathaway as an actress but she does not match the picture of Emma I had developed in my head.

Check out this interesting article from Mental Floss, 11 Authors Who Hated the Movie Versions of Their Books. Having not read most of the books on that list, only seeing and enjoying the movies myself, I was quite surprised by some of the inclusions. I can sympathise with Roald Dahl’s reaction to the original movie version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory though!

I have the same hesitations about watching the movie of a book I’ve loved. I don’t like the way images from the film take over the thoughts you’ve created in your own mind when reading the book. I’m a massive fan of Cloud Atlas too and I like the fact that Mitchell will get a greater audience, but I don’t think I’ll be rushing out to watch it. Fingers crossed they do a good job adapting it.

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5 years ago

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Hi! I’m Jo, an unabashed book lover living in Brisbane, Australia. Since starting this website in 2009 I’ve come to realise I enjoy writing about books almost as much as reading them. Find out more...